Effective Ways to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home: 8 Proven Methods

Ants can be a persistent nuisance, but thankfully, there are several effective methods to get rid of them. Here are 8 proven methods:

1. Identify the Ant Trail and Entry Points:

• Follow the ants to see where they’re coming from and where they’re going. This will help you pinpoint their entry points and trails.
• Seal any cracks, crevices, or holes in walls, floors, and around windows and doors with caulk or sealant.

2. Bait with Borax or Boric Acid:

• Mix borax or boric acid with sugar or honey to create a bait.
• Ants will carry the bait back to their colony, which will eventually eliminate the entire nest.
• Place the bait in shallow containers or on pieces of cardboard along ant trails.
• Caution: Keep borax and boric acid out of reach of children and pets.

3. Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE):

• Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized diatoms.
• It’s abrasive and dehydrating, which can kill ants.
• Sprinkle DE along ant trails and around entry points.
• Caution: Use food-grade DE and wear a mask when applying it, as it can be irritating to the lungs.

4. Vinegar Solution:

• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution directly on ants and wipe down surfaces where they travel.
• Vinegar disrupts ant pheromone trails, which helps prevent them from returning.

5. Citrus Peels:

• Citrus peels (lemon, orange, lime) contain a compound called d-limonene, which is toxic to ants.
• Place citrus peels near ant trails or entry points.

6. Boiling Water:

• If you can locate the ant nest, pour boiling water directly into it.
• This method is effective for eliminating small colonies.

7. Cornstarch:

• Pour cornstarch directly onto a large group of ants, and then add water. The ants will become trapped in the sticky mixture.
• You can then sweep up the ants.

8. Natural Repellents:

• Certain natural substances can repel ants:
  • Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon along ant trails.
  • Peppermint oil: Dilute peppermint oil with water and spray it around entry points.
  • Tea tree oil: Similar to peppermint oil, tea tree oil can repel ants.
  • Coffee grounds: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of plants or near entry points.

Important Considerations:

• Cleanliness: Keep your home clean and free of food crumbs and spills, which attract ants.
• Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers to prevent ants from accessing it.
• Patience: It may take some time to eliminate an ant infestation. Be persistent with your chosen methods.
• Professional Help: If you have a severe or persistent ant problem, consider contacting a pest control professional. They can identify the ant species and recommend the most effective treatment.